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Bombers with chance to make statement

Chris Pike

Essendon can send a message on Sunday that they are genuine AFL premiership contenders as they tackle last year's grand finalists Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

The Bombers have been impressive this season, with wins over North Melbourne and Carlton, but they could have made a real statement if they got over the line against reigning premiers Hawthorn.

However, they fell just short, losing by four points, and now head to Perth taking on a Dockers team who played in last year's grand final, but are coming off a disappointing loss to the Hawks and are without stars Nat Fyfe, Michael Barlow, Michael Walters and Chris Mayne.

Essendon also beat Fremantle in Perth early last season so the trip holds no fears for the Bombers, but Dockers coach Ross Lyon knows his team is facing a huge challenge to beat them and to bounce back from last Friday night's 58-point thrashing at the hands of Hawthorn.

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The Bombers had a tremendous start to 2013 as well, at one stage sitting on a 13-3 record after 17 rounds, so their form early in 2014 under Mark Thompson doesn't surprise Lyon, but he is confident his Dockers are up for the challenge.

"Our group is proud and our midfield has delivered but we are coming up against the form team in the competition," Lyon said.

"At the end of the day they probably should have got across the line against Hawthorn to be 3-0. They are pretty much fully fit and available, and have beaten us the last couple of times, including here.

"We have also come off a really bad loss, so all the pointers are that it's going to be a big challenge, but one we are keen to accept.

"We see it as a real opportunity to improve our footy again after a step backwards again last week. We didn't enjoy that. We haven't beaten each other up this week, but we know we need to bring better effort, playing together better and play some positive football."

Essendon have made no changes from the team that thrashed at Carlton on Sunday by 81 points but Fremantle have been forced to make adjustments through injury.